Ask the archaeologist

Our current archaeologist is Abi McCullough.

Hi!

My name is Abi McCullough and I’m very happy to be the latest ‘Ask the Archaeologist’ archaeologist.

For the last 17 years, I have worked for the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) in Welshpool, Powys as their Heritage Management Archaeologist. This covers all sorts of interesting aspects of archaeology, but my main focus is on protecting archaeological sites from being damaged, or advising on how to restore sites that have been damaged.

I get out and about visiting sites in woodland and on farmland and talk to people about how to look after the sites they’re responsible for.

I injured my back when I was 15 and knew I would never be able to be a ‘digger’, so I chose to study Heritage Conservation at university. As well as studying traditional archaeological subjects and skills, my degree covered everything from geology to finds conservation to creating museum displays, so it has been much more useful to me than a standard archaeology degree.

I get to see lots of interesting artefacts that are brought to our office by metal detectorists who bring their finds to us for identification. It’s my job to research the items and record them on our Historic Environment Record and on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. I haven’t been doing this for very long so I’m learning new things all the time.

Another great part of my job is helping our Community Archaeologist on projects with schools and the public, and I am also one of the leaders of Marches YAC, based in Welshpool.

So that's me... what about you? What do you want to know about archaeology?! I'm ready for your questions...

Abi

Click here to read all the questions that Abi McCullough has already answered!